Looking back at Women's History Month, we are highlighting some of our faculty, staff and students who have won special recognition during March for their achievements as leaders and role models in research, patient care, and university and public service:

International Women's Day Awards at CAPS

Debra Allen and Gertrude Khumalo-Sakutukwa (photo above) were the winners of the International Women's Day Awards at the Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS), a part of the UCSF AIDS Research Institute (ARI). The awards are traditionally given on March 8, which has been set aside to recognize the achievements and successes of women the world over. 

Debra Allen works as a Community/Research Liaison with the Technology and Information Exchange (TIE) Core. Her extensive community contacts and expertise in community relations are, according to her nomination, "invaluable in representing science to the community" and "bringing ideas and opportunities back in return."

Research Specialist Gertrude Khumalo-Sakutukwa, has primary responsibility for coordinating a multi-site, international clinical trial and is a key link between UCSF and activities and personnel in her native Zimbabwe. She is being recognized for her "strong personal commitment and energy, as well as the ability to respond to the challenges and obstacles associated with public health work in the developing world."

Chancellor’s Award for the Advancement of Women

At a ceremony on March 24, the 2008 Chancellor’s Award for the Advancement of Women was given to one faculty, one staff and one student.

Jane Koehler, MD, a professor in the Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, was recognized for her mentorship and service as the role model of an outstanding clinician, teacher, and internationally known bench researcher.

She has served as chair of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (CACSW) and continues to be involved in improving campus policies affecting women.

Rosalie Gearhart, the program director at the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, serves as a strong advocate of gender equality and has promoted a flexible work environment for mothers, developing individualized plans for maternity leave and child care. Gearhart focuses on attracting exceptional young women to careers at UCSF and goes out of her way to recruit and retain qualified female applicants.


Aruna Venkatesan, a fourth-year student in the School of Medicine, received the student award. Since her first year at UCSF, Venkatesan has devoted herself to raising awareness about domestic violence among health care professionals. In 2006, Venkatesan was the principal organizer of a UCSF conference and elective course titled "Patients and Providers: A Partnership to End Violence."

2008 Woman in Science

Linda C. Giudice, MD, PhD, Robert B. Jaffe M.D. Endowed Chair in Reproductive Sciences, is the recipient of the 2008 Woman in Science Award from the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA).

Founded in 1915 in Chicago, the AMWA comprises women physicians, medical students and health professionals dedicated to serving as a voice for women's health and the advancement of women in medicine.

Giudice’s work exemplifies a commitment to serving as a voice for women. Her scientific and clinical background is as a biochemist, gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist who specializes in examining the relationship between contaminants and reproductive health. Her clinical research focuses on endometriosis, implantation and ovulatory disorders, infertility, and assisted reproduction.

Support for Women at UCSF

There are a number of groups on campus that provide support for women's careers (see sidebar). Two organizations in particular focus on the status of women at UCSF:

The Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of Women (CACSW) examines the issues regarding the status of women at UCSF; serves as a coordinating body for groups or individuals concerned with the status of women at UCSF; and recommends to the Chancellor changes that will continue to afford women equal and fair access to campus programs and activities.

The Chancellor’s Council on Faculty Life (CCFL) was formed as a response to the 2002 report on the climate for women faculty at UCSF. Current activities of the CCFL include the UCSF-CORO Faculty Leadership program, the UCSF Faculty mentoring program, Faculty Welcoming Week (which will be called Faculty Information Week this year), and a stress reduction/management program.


Other Links of Interest:

National Women's History Project

Smithsonian Education: Women's History Month

National Library of Medicine: Women in Medicine